Disease-Spreading Mosquito Detected In Pleasanton

PLEASANTON, CA — A non-native, invasive species of mosquito has been detected in a residential area of Pleasanton northwest of Amador Valley High School, according to the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District. The mosquito, called Aedes aegypti, is capable of spreading diseases like dengue, Zika, and yellow fever. This is the first time that Aedes aegypti has been spotted in Alameda County since 2014, according to the district.

On Thursday, ACMAD staff went door to door in the neighborhood where the mosquito was detected, which is west of Santa Rita Road, south of Valley Avenue, and east of Hopyard Road. The district said in a news release that it hopes to find possible locations where the mosquito is reproducing, and stop it from permanently establishing itself in the community. Inspections are free, and inspectors are only authorized to check for mosquitos and provide control as needed.

Aedes aegypti are about a quarter-inch in size, with black and white stripes on its back and legs. Its eggs are small and difficult to notice, and often mistaken for dirt or seeds. They often lay their eggs just above the water line in small, artificial sources of water like buckets, pet dishes, fountains, bird baths, plant pots, and old tires.

They are known to be aggressive, and bite at any time of day. It can transmit several viruses, and as of 2024, there have been six cases of locally acquired dengue fever in Southern California, according to the district.

To prevent the spread, residents are advised to:

• Dump all standing water around their property
• Apply insect repellents with EPA-registered ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear long-sleeve pants, shirts, socks, and shoes when mosquitos are most active
• Make sure windows and doors screens and in good condition

Anyone who receives mosquito bites during the day should report it to the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District at 510-783-7744 or at mosquitoes.org. If you are sick with fever, headache, or joint or muscle pain after returning from this area, call your doctor and stay indoors as much as possible.

Visit mosquitoes.org for more information.